Apparatus for repairing a wall covering

ABSTRACT

A cutting implement has a body with a top and a bottom and one or more blades extending outwardly of the bottom and defining a closed cutting path. In one embodiment, the implement has a cutting depth control. The cutting implement is particularly useful in cutting sections of wall covering. During use, the cutting implement is located adjacent a wall covering so that the blade(s) surround a damaged portion of the covering. Force applied to the top of the implement drives the blade(s) into the covering, creating a severed portion including the damaged area. The severed portion is removed and is preferably replaced by a replacement section of the same size cut with the implement from replacement wall covering.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/084,419, filed Mar. 18, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cutting implement for repairing wallcoverings such as wallpaper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wallpaper is a very popular home decoration and comes in a variety oftypes and styles. Wallpaper generally comprises a relatively thincovering. A front side of the covering bears decoration, such asprinting, texture or both. The opposing, rear side of the covering isgenerally planar and is configured to be adhered to a supportingsurface. Generally, that surface is a wall, though wallpaper may beapplied to ceilings, doors and other surfaces such as cover plates.

The wallpaper is connected to the wall or other support surface withadhesive. In some instances, an adhesive paste is prepared and appliedto the rear side of the covering and then the covering is applied to thewall. In other cases, the wallpaper may have dried adhesive located onthe rear side, and this adhesive may be wetted in order to activate it.

Wallpaper has the advantage over painting in that complex designs andtextures can be associated with a wall with relative ease.Unfortunately, a disadvantage to wallpaper and similar wall coverings isthat when the covering is damaged, it is difficult to repair. When apainted wall is scuffed, scratched or the like, it can easily berepainted. Wall coverings however, may be ripped or torn. For example,the impact of a relatively sharp object with the wall covering may tearor rip a small area of the wall covering. In some instances, a smallarea of the wall covering may be torn lose, and in other instances anentire section may be removed or disassociated from the remaining wallcovering.

A common technique for repairing torn wall coverings is to attempt tore-attach, such as glue, the torn area back into place on the wall.Generally, however, the torn wall covering area is irregular in shape,and may be irregular in depth (i.e. a surface portion may peel away).This makes such a repair difficult without the interface or edge of thetear still being visible.

An improved apparatus for repairing a wall covering is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cutting implement is disclosed comprising a body having a top and abottom and one or more blades extending from the bottom of the body, theone or more blades defining a continuous closed cutting path around anarea, whereby when the one or more blades are located adjacent amaterial to be cut and a force is applied to the top of the bodygenerally in the direction of the bottom of the body, the one or moreblades are driven into the material, cutting the material.

In one embodiment, the implement includes a handle which extends fromthe body for gripping by a user, such as for positioning the implementduring use. In another embodiment, the implement includes a cuttingdepth control. The cutting depth control may comprise a plate or footwhich is connected to the body and which is movable towards and awayfrom the bottom. In one embodiment, the plate is mounted at one end of athreaded support which engages the body, and an input wheel is locatedat the other end. A user's rotation of the wheel rotates the threadedsupport, thus moving the plate towards and away from the bottom of thebody, and thus towards and away from the edge of the blade(s), thusserving as a depth control.

The body may have various configurations. In one embodiment, the body isgenerally square in peripheral shape, having a generally planar top andbottom and four sides. The top may be smaller in area than the bottom.The one or more blades and/or body may be configured so that the one ormore blades may be disconnected from the body and replaced, such as whenworn. The one or more blades may be configured to define cutting pathsof various shapes or patterns, such as square, round or triangular.

In one or more embodiments, the cutting implement is located adjacent amaterial to be cut. A force is applied to the implement, preferably tothe top of the body in the direction of the bottom of the body, to forcethe one or more blades into the material.

In one embodiment, the cutting implement can be used to repair a wallcovering by: (1) orienting the cutting implement so that the blade(s)are adjacent the wall covering and the damaged section is within thearea defined by the blade(s); (2) applying a force to the cuttingimplement to drive the blade(s) into the wall covering and sever asevered portion of the wall covering including the damaged section fromthe surrounding wall covering; (3) removing the severed wall coveringportion; (4) orienting the cutting implement so that the blade(s) areadjacent a replacement wall covering; (5) applying a force to thecutting implement to drive the blade(s) into the replacement wallcovering to sever a replacement portion of the replacement wall coveringfrom the surrounding replacement wall covering; (6) removing thereplacement section of wall covering from the replacement wall covering;and (7) positioning the replacement section of wall covering in thelocation previously occupied by the severed wall covering portion.

In one embodiment, the severed wall covering portion is aligned with acorresponding portion of the replacement wall covering having the sameappearance as the severed wall covering portion. The outline of thesevered wall covering portion may be drawn or marked on the replacementwall covering to provide a guide for aligning the blade(s) of thecutting implement.

In this manner, a precisely sized section of wall covering is removedand replaced with the same size replacement section, such that the edgesof the replacement section and original wall covering mate precisely.Thus, the substitution of the replacement section in the original wallcovering is not visible.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall covering cutting implement inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the wall covering cuttingimplement illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of other embodiment wall covering cuttingimplement in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of a body of another embodiment wall coveringcutting implement in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a wall covering cutting implement asillustrated in FIG. 4; and

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate repair of a damaged area of wall covering inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for repairing a wall covering, including a cuttingimplement. In the following description, numerous specific details areset forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the presentinvention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, thatthe present invention may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known features have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the invention.

In general, one aspect of the invention is an apparatus for repairingwall coverings. The apparatus comprises a cutting implement configuredto cut and disassociate a section of wall covering from the surroundingwall covering, and replacing that section with a new undamaged sectionwith the aid of the cutting implement of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cutting implement 20 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The cutting implement 20 will generally bereferred to as a wall covering cutter since one preferred use for thecutting implement is for cutting wall covering. It will be appreciated,however, that the cutting implement could be used to cut wide variety ofmaterials, including but not limited to linoleum, cloth, plastic andwood.

As illustrated, the cutter 20 comprises a body 22. The body 22preferably defines a top 24 and an opposing bottom 26. In the embodimentillustrated, where the top 24 and bottom 26 are generally square inshape, the body 22 has four sides 28 a,b,c,d. These sides 28 a,b,c,dextend from the top 24 to the bottom 26 and define the perimeter of thebody 22.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the top 24 is smaller indimension than the bottom 26. In this configuration, the sides 28a,b,c,d are sloped, leaning inwardly from the bottom 26 towards the top24. As also illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment the body 22 may besolid. The body 22 is preferably constructed from a durable material,such as plastic or metal. The body 22 may be molded, but may also beformed in other ways.

In a preferred embodiment, the cutter 20 includes a handle 30. In oneembodiment, the handle 30 extends outwardly from one of the sides 28 b(it may extend outwardly from any of the sides, not just the sideillustrated). The handle 30 may have a wide variety of forms. In theembodiment illustrated, the handle 30 is an elongate grip which has afirst end connected to the body 22. The handle 30 may be connected witha threaded connector, adhesive or other means. The handle 30 maycomprise rod or similar element which, at one or more points therealong,is covered with a gripping element, such as a rubber or plastic moldedgrip element which is configured to conform to the user's hand.

The cutter 20 includes a cutting element 32. In a preferred embodiment,the cutting element 32 defines and is configured to cut a closed segmentor path which comprises the perimeter of a polygon. Preferably, thecutting element 32 defines a continuous closed cutting path (i.e. thecutting element has no gaps or relatively small gaps therein), and thusenclosed or surrounds an interior area.

In one embodiment, the cutting element 32 comprises one or more blades34. In one embodiment, one or more blades 34 are arranged to define asquare cutting path. Individual blades 34 may define the four sides ofthe square cutting pattern. In another configuration, a single blade maybe constructed to have that shape.

The cutting element 32 preferably extends outwardly of the bottom 26 ofthe body 22. In one embodiment, the cutting element 32 is connected toand extends from the bottom 26 of the body 22. In other embodiments, thecutting element 32 may mounted to other parts of the body 22 such as thesides or even the top.

In one embodiment, the one or more blades 34 have a top and a bottom. Atleast a bottom of the blade(s) 34 preferably defines a cutting surface,such as a sharpened cutting edge. The top of the one or more blades maybe configured for mounting of the blade(s) to the body 22. While theblade(s) 34 are preferably mounted to the bottom 26 of the body 22, asindicated above, they may be connected to other portions of the body,either directly or indirectly.

The one or more blades 34 may be connected to the body 22 in a varietyof fashions. In one embodiment, a slot (visible in FIG. 2) may be formedin the bottom 26 of the body 22, that slot configured to accept a topportion of the one or more blades. One or more fasteners (not shown),such as one or more set screws, may be used to lock or secure the one ormore blades 34 to the body 22. In another embodiment, the one or moreblades may snap or press-fit into the slot.

The one or more blades 34 may be custom configured, or the body 22 maybe configured to accept razor blades or other readily available cuttingelements. In one embodiment, the one or more blades 34 may be connectedto a mount (not shown), and the mount may be connected to the body 22.For example, the mount may comprise a generally rectangular frame havingslots for accepting the one or more blades. The mount may also includeone or more tabs for connecting the mount to the body 22. The mount may,for example, be connected to the body 22 with one or more threadedfasteners, clips or the like.

Preferably, at least the cutting surface or edge of the one or moreblades 34 is constructed of a durable material, such as stainless steel.In one embodiment, the wall covering cutter 20 is configured so that theone or more blades 20 are replaceable so that when dull, they can beinterchanged or removed and sharpened. In another embodiment, the wallcovering cutter 20 may be configured as a disposable device. In thatembodiment, the one or more blades 34 may be permanently connected tothe body 22. For example, the one or more blades 34 may be molded intothe body 22, such as when the body 22 is constructed of plastic. In sucha embodiment, when the one or more blades 34 are dull or broken, as theyare permanently fixed to the body 22, the entire wall covering cutter 20may be disposed of.

In use, the wall covering cutter 20 is positioned with its one or moreblades 34 adjacent a material to be cut, such as the surface of a wallcovering. By adjacent, it is meant in close proximity or even in contacttherewith. Force is applied to the top 24 of the body 22 of the cutter20. Preferably this force is applied in a direction towards the bottom26 of the body 22. This force maybe generated, for example, by hittingthe top 24 of the body 22 with a hammer, mallet or other element, or bypressing the top 24 of the body 22. The force is transmitted through thebody 22 to the one or more blades 32. The transmitted force causes theone or more blades 32 to penetrate the material to be cut, such as wallcovering, thus cutting the wall covering.

Because the cutting element 32 of the cutter 20, such as the one or moreblades 34, cut a closed path, the cutting action causes a segment orsection of the wall covering to be completely disassociated ordisconnected from the remaining wall covering. In particular, theportion of the wall covering located within the bounds of the one ormore blades and thus the cutting path, is separated from the portion ofthe wall covering which is located outside of the bounds of the one ormore blades and the cutting path.

The cutting implement/wall covering cutter of the invention may have avariety of other configurations than illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Asdescribed above, the one or more blades of the cutter are configured tocut a square pattern. In this configuration, when the cutter is used tocut a planar wall covering, the cutter will separate a square-shapedsegment of material from the remaining portion of the covering.

The cutter may be configured to cut other patterns. For example,referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment a cutter 20 a may include one ormore blades 34 a configured to make triangular cut and thus cut atriangular-shaped wall covering section. In this configuration, the oneor more blades 34 a are configured into a triangle.

Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates a cutter 20 b having one or more blades 34b configured into a rectangle. In this configuration, the cutter 20 bcuts a rectangle-shaped wall covering section.

The one or more blades of the cutter of the invention may be configuredto make cuts of other shapes. For example, the one or more blades may beconfigured to make a circular cut, or even an irregular cut.

In one embodiment, the body of the wall cover cutter has a shape whichgenerally matches the blade pattern and thus the shape of the cuttingpath. For example, if the blade pattern is triangular, the body may betriangular in peripheral shape as well. This configuration has theadvantage that the user is made aware of the cutting pattern just bylooking at the body, and force applied to the body maybe symmetricallyapplied to the blade(s). It is also desirable for the size of the body(or at least the largest portion thereof—the bottom in the embodimentillustrated) to be about the same size as the area defined by theblades. This aids the user in aligning the blades with area to be cut.

In other embodiments, the body may have a shape which is independent ofthe blade pattern. For example, the body may have a square shape and oneor more blades defining a square, triangular, rectangular or other shapemay be connected thereto. In such an embodiment, the top of the body maybe marked with the blade pattern.

As indicated, in a preferred embodiment, the area of the top 24 of thebody 22 is less than that of the bottom 26. In general, it isadvantageous for the surface area of the top 24 of the body 22 to bekept relative small, even if the size of the bottom 26 and size of thecutting path defined by the one or more blades 34 is large. It is alsodesirable for the top 24 of the body 22 or other surface which definesthe force transmitting/impacting surface, to be aligned with a centralaxis through the body 22 and the bottom 26 and cutting path. In thisconfiguration, when a force is applied to the top 24 the force is morelikely to be evenly distributed to the cutting element along the cuttingedge or path thereof. If, for example, the top 24 is very large,application of force towards one edge may result in uneven force beingapplied to the cutting element, thus potentially resulting in cuttingaction along one portion of the element but insufficient force toproviding cutting action along other portions of the element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the wall covering cutter may includemeans for adjusting or controlling the depth of cut. Referring to FIGS.4 and 5, one embodiment of such a wall covering cutter 20 d isillustrated. This wall covering cutter 20 d is similar to that describedabove, including a body 22 d, one or more blades 34 d, and preferably ahandle (not shown).

In this embodiment, a stop 40 d is located at the bottom 26 d of thebody 22 d. Preferably, this stop 40 d is movable relative to the bottom26 d of the body 22 d and thus the one or more blades 34 d connectedthereto. In one embodiment, the stop 40 d is connected to a threadedshaft 42 d or other support which engages mating threads formed in apassage 44 d through the body 22 d. The stop 40 d is connected to oneend of the shaft 42 d. A thumb-wheel 46 d or other input element ispreferably located at the opposing end of the shaft 42 d.

In one embodiment, the thumb-wheel 46 d, or at least one or moreperipheral portions thereof, is accessible by the user. As illustrated,in one embodiment the wheel 46 d is located at the top of the body 22 d.A cover 48 d may be positioned over the wheel 46 d for protecting thewheel and defining a force transmitting member, with force appliedthereto transmitted to the body 22 d. The cover 48 d may cooperate withthe body 22 d to define one or more openings or window through which oneor more portions of the wheel 46 d may extend for engagement by theuser.

The stop 40 d may have a variety of forms. In one embodiment, the stop40 d comprises a plate or foot. In use, a user may rotate the wheel 46d, thus causing the shaft 42 d to turn. When the shaft turns 42 d, thestop 40 d is raised or lowered (depending upon the direction of rotationof the shaft 42 d). In order to reduce the depth of cut, the userpreferably lowers the stop 40 d so that a bottom surface thereof extendsoutwardly from the body 22 d nearly the same distance as the cuttingedge of the one or more blades 34 d. In order to increase the cuttingdepth, the user raises the stop 40 d towards the body 22 d.

In use, the wall covering cutter 20 d is forced into contact with a wallcovering. The one or more blades 34 d penetrate the wall covering untilthe stop 40 d contacts the wall covering and limits further penetrationof the wall covering by the one or more blades. The depth controlfeature is useful in preventing the one or more blades from penetratingbeyond the wall covering, such as into the wall or other supportingstructure.

Other means may be used to adjust the depth of cut. In one embodiment,the stop 40 d may be removable. Stops 40 d of varying thickness may beconnected to the body 22 d. By changing the thickness of the stop 40 d,the depth of cut may be varied.

Other means may be provided for moving the stop 40 d when the stop isconfigured to be movable. For example, a simple lever may be connectedto the shaft 42 d, movement of the lever causing rotation of the shaft42 d, and thus the stop 40 d. The bottom of the body 22 d may also beformed with inset areas of varying depth. The stop 40 d may be rotatedupon a shaft to that it engaged or fits one of those insets. Shims orother elements may also be positioned between the stop 40 d and the body22 d in order to control the distance between the stop 40 d and the body22 d.

In one embodiment, the depth of cut may also be controlled by changingthe distance by which the one or more blades 34 d extend from the body22 d. For example, the one or more blades 34 d may be connected to thebody 22 d with one or more screws. The one or more blades 34 d may belocked into position at various depths by using the one or more screws.In other embodiments, the actual height of the one or more blades 34 dmay be varied depending upon the desired application.

The embodiment depth control illustrated has the advantage that itprovides a wide range of depth control with no need to substitute orreplace parts.

One use of the cutter 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.6A-6F. FIG. 6A illustrates a wall covering 100. As indicated above, thewall covering may be of a variety of types. As illustrated, the wallcovering has damaged section D. In the example illustrated, a section ofthe wall covering has been torn, actually partially separating from theremaining wall covering and the supporting structure. Of course, othertypes of wall covering damage may occur.

Referring to FIG. 6B, a wall covering cutter in accordance with theinvention is preferably positioned adjacent the wall covering.Preferably, the wall covering cutter is positioned so that the one ormore blades of the cutter surround the damaged section D—i.e. thedamaged section D is located within the cutting path and area defined bythe blade(s). Force is then applied to the cutter, such as by impactingthe top of the body of the cutter with hammer or mallet, in order todrive the one or more blades into the wall covering.

The cutting action cuts or disassociates a section of the wall coveringaround the damaged section D from the remaining portion of the wallcovering. Referring to FIG. 6C, this section S, which may be referred toas a severed section, which section includes the damaged section D, isthen removed. While the cutting action may separate a section of wallcovering from the remaining wall covering, the severed section may stillbe adhered to the wall or other support surface. Thus, water, adhesivedissolver or other material may be applied to aid in removal of the cutsection from the wall. As illustrated, once the severed section isremoved, the wall or other surface is exposed.

The severed sections may then be positioned adjacent or over areplacement section of wall covering 102. In the event the wall coveringis printed or otherwise displays or bears a pattern, the removed severedsection is preferably aligned with a matching section of the replacementwall covering. The replacement wall covering 102 is preferably thenmarked, such as by outlining the edge of the removed severed section onthe replacement wall covering with a pencil, as best illustrated in FIG.6D.

Referring to FIG. 6E, the wall covering cutter is then positionedadjacent the replacement wall covering 102. Where the replacementcovering 102 has been marked, the cutter is positioned so that the oneor more blades are aligned with the markings. The cutter is then forcedinto the replacement covering to cut a replacement section R. Asillustrated, this replacement section R is removed from the remainder ofthe replacement wall covering 102.

Referring to FIG. 6F, the replacement section R is then aligned with theexposed area in the original wall covering where the severed section wasremoved, and is adhered to the wall or other support surface. This maybe accomplished with the aid of a wall paper adhesive or other means ofattachment.

The invention has numerous advantages. First, the wall covering cutteris effective in accurately cutting an area of wall covering from anothersection of wall covering. Thus, the wall covering cutter can be used tocut a section of wall covering which is damaged from the remaining wallcovering. The manner of cutting prevents tearing and other damage to thewall cover in the process of disassociating the damaged section of wallcovering from the remaining wall covering.

In addition, the wall covering cutter is effective in cutting areplacement section of wall covering to the same exact size and shape asthe size and shape of the section which was cut for removal. In thismanner, the replacement section has sharp edge and fits exactly into thespace previously occupied by the removed section.

Because of the sharp cuts and exact duplication (in shape/size) of theremoved and replacement wall covering sections, the outer edges of thereplacement wall covering section exactly fit and align with the edgesof the original wall covering where the damaged section was removed.Thus, when the replacement section is inserted, it perfectly mates withthe original wall covering section and the no seams or edges arevisible.

Advantageously, because a particular area of wall covering is removedfrom around the damaged section, the removed section can be used as atemplate against the replacement wall covering. In this manner, it canbe assured that when the replacement section is cut, it is a portion ofthe replacement wall covering which contains or displays the exact areaor portion of the printed pattern or the like which is born by theremoved section.

It will be appreciated that it is desirable for the cutting pattern todefine an area which is larger than the damaged area, so that the entiredamaged area can be cut and removed. Thus, the cutting implement may beprovided in various sizes to accommodate different size cuts. In anotherembodiment, the cutting implement could be used to make multiple cuts toinclude all of a damaged area which can not be removed with a singlecut.

Various other embodiments of cutting implements are contemplated. Forexample, the one or more blades may be mounted on springs, ball bearingsor like so they are allowed to flex some during the cutting process,such as to avoid the blades from being driven into the underlying wallor support surface. Spring loaded balls may also be used to lock theblade(s) in place within the slot in the body of the implement.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of theapparatus are merely illustrative of applications of the principles ofthis invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedin the claims.

1. A cutting implement comprising: a body having a top and a bottom; astop; one or more blades extending from said bottom of said body, saidone or more blades defining a continuous closed cutting path around adefined area; wherein when said one or more blades are located adjacenta material to be cut and a force is applied to said top of said bodygenerally in the direction of said bottom of said body, said one or moreblades are driven into said material, whereby said defined area ofmaterial is cut; and wherein said stop permits said one or more bladesto extend into said material no more than a first distance.
 2. Thecutting implement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said stop is formedby said bottom.
 3. The cutting implement in accordance with claim 2wherein a depth of said body is variable to allow said stop to permitsaid one or more blades to extend into said material no more than saidfirst distance.
 4. The cutting implement in accordance with claim 1wherein said stop is a member connected to said body permitting said oneor more blades to extend into said material no more than said firstdistance.
 5. The cutting implement in accordance with claim 4 whereinsaid stop is movable towards and away from said bottom permitting saidone or more blades to extend into said material no more than said firstdistance.
 6. The cutting implement in accordance with claim 5 whereinsaid stop is mounted to a threaded support which engages said body,whereby rotation of said threaded support moves said stop towards andaway from said bottom.
 7. The cutting implement in accordance with claim6 wherein said stop is mounted to a first end of said threaded supportand further comprising an input wheel mounted to a second end of saidthreaded support, said input wheel configured to be engaged by a user.8. The cutting implement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said top ofsaid body is generally planar and configured to transmit a force appliedgenerally transverse thereto.
 9. The cutting implement in accordancewith claim 1 wherein one blade defines said closed cutting path.
 10. Thecutting implement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closed cuttingpath is generally square.
 11. The cutting implement in accordance withclaim 10 wherein four blades define said closed cutting path.
 12. Thecutting implement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closed cuttingpath is generally circular.
 13. The cutting implement in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said one or more blades are connected to said bottom ofsaid body.
 14. The cutting implement in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid body is solid.
 15. The cutting implement in accordance with claim 1further comprising a handle extending from said body configured to begrasped by a user of said cutting implement.
 16. The cutting implementin accordance with claim 15 wherein said body defines at least one sideand said handle extends from said at least one side.
 17. The cuttingimplement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said one or more blades areconnected to a mount attached to said body.
 18. The cutting implement inaccordance with claim 17 wherein said mount is removably attached tosaid body.
 19. The cutting implement in accordance with claim 1 whereinthe said one or more blades are movable towards and away from saidbottom permitting said one or more blades to extend into said materialno more than a fifth distance.